Staunton blends small-town living with plenty of job centers
Staunton offers buyers a broad selection of single-family homes, outdoor spaces and a small downtown area in southwestern Illinois. Established as a city in the early 1890s, this community of about 5,000 was originally a mining center. While the mines have closed, the area is now home to farming, metal fabrication and is the headquarters for cable provider Madison Communications. “[Staunton is] your stereotypical small town where everyone watches out for each other. The teachers know the parents and people like our school district because [students] get attention,” says Mike Mihelcic, a broker with Re/Max Alliance who was born and raised in Staunton. “We're not that far from Edwardsville for stuff to do and St. Louis, but [it has that] typical small town feel where everybody waves to each other.”
Various housing styles at a lower median price point
Homes here vary from farmhouse-styles and Colonials to ranch styles, split levels and New Traditionals. The median home price is $150,000, lower than the state and national medians. However, prices can run from $50,000 to $460,000 depending on the age, location and condition. Mihelcic says that HOA activity is minimal. Properties closer to downtown are typically on gridded streets with smaller lots and oak trees accenting lawns. Farmsteads and properties with more acreage are on the outskirts of Staunton. Some subdivisions within the city also have less tree cover. Mihelcic says the community has attracted a mix of retirees and young families looking for more affordable housing options and schools.
Staunton Community Unit School District No. 6 serves students
Students can attend the Staunton Community Unit School District No. 6, graded B on Niche. They can start at Staunton Elementary, rated B, and continue to Staunton Junior High, which earns a B-plus. Staunton High, scored B, offers courses in agriculture and business.
Multiple parks, events and golfing spots form outdoor fun
Water Tower Park has a playground and pickleball courts. Duda Park features gardens and a gazebo. Route 66 Park, one of Staunton’s newest spaces, honors the city’s placement on the iconic highway. Fireman’s Park has multipurpose fields and is a host site for numerous events. These include the annual Balloon Glow, featuring tethered hot air balloon rides and live music. The park is also the starting point for the 34-mile Tour de Donut bike race, where riders are awarded five minutes off their race time for each donut eaten at specific points.
Staunton's golfing facilities include the private, nine-hole Staunton Country Club, featuring a 2,900-yard layout and a pool. The Timber Lake Golf Club is public and has a par 72, 6,900-yard course. The Madison County Transit Quercus Grove Trail cuts through the town, connecting to nearby cities such as Hamel and Edwardsville. Staunton City Lake, north of downtown, allows for fishing and boating.
Downtown has dining and essential shopping
Dining spots include a mix of chains and local spots. Caldera Bar & Grill features food from Oaxaca, while Cavataio's Restaurant & Pizzeria also serves sandwiches and includes a salad bar. R&B’s Family Restaurant offers breakfast items along with steaks and seafood.
Bill’s IGA and other smaller shops and convenience stores are off Main Street. Edwardsville, 18 miles south, and Litchfield, 16 miles north, have more big-box shopping options.
Weather risks in Staunton
Maps show a slight flooding risk in parts of Staunton. Tornadoes and snow can also occur. An active rail line cuts through the locale, causing noise for those near the tracks.
Interstate 55 serves as the main highway
Staunton has no public transit links and is car-dependent. The entrance to Interstate 55 is east of downtown along Staunton Road. St. Louis Lambert International Airport is 49 miles southwest, while MidAmerica St. Louis is 39 miles south. The Community Hospital of Staunton on Caldwell Street provides emergency and inpatient care.
